Bedtime for Bonsai (Avon Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Elaine Fox (Author)
Key Phrases: Dylan Mersey, Gallery Night, Sara Mersey (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Penelope Porter longed for a baby. But now that her marriage is over, she's turned to the next best thing—a cute, cuddly puppy. Mr. Darcy's an absolute sweetheart, but he could use a stint in obedience school. He keeps sneaking over to the shop across the street, the one owned by Baltimore bad boy Dylan Mersey. Not that Penelope minds having to fetch her dog from his handsome new friend . . .

Mr. Darcy? Only a high-society hottie would name a mischievous pooch after a romantic hero. No, to Dylan this pup's name is Bonsai . . . and his owner's impossible to resist. Dylan's more rough-and-tumble than refined, but he's about to prove he's exactly what Penelope needs to forget her heartless ex.

Soon things are heating up between proper Penelope and dangerous Dylan as they learn that misbehaving isn't just fun for the dog. What Penelope considers unsuitable quickly becomes unstoppable, and she discovers that true love truly is worth the risk.

About the Author

Elaine Fox has spent enough of her life dating to know that the scenarios described in this book are completely plausible -- though she disclaims any direct experience with any of them. Fortunately, however, she has been able to parlay this extended search for romance into a career and hopes her readers appreciate the cathartic experience while living happily-ever-after lives themselves. Elaine currently lives in Virginia.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Avon (November 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061474649
• ISBN-13: 978-0061474644
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #116,006 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Weakest in the series..., January 6, 2009

By	Tracy Vest (Northern California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Realizing that there are probably no children on the horizon, lonely divorcee Penelope adopts a precocious Havanese dog with a penchant for escaping to a neighboring store. Longing to start a family, she considers wooing her philandering ex-husband Glenn back. After all he did father a child while they were married, so he might be interested in a child with her, right? She feels an attraction to neighboring store owner/pottery artist Dylan, and is surprised that after discovering that he has a shady past, it doesn't matter. As she and Dylan get closer thanks to Mr. Darcy (whom Dylan calls Bonsai), and Dylan spends time with Glenn and discovers his connection to Pen. But Dylan's past associations threaten their future.

Fox's fourth canine novel set in Fredericksburg is the weakest, relying too heavily on the previous books to move the story along. Many of the other characters have prominent roles, leaving less time to concentrate on the primary story line. It just felt too overpopulated. And while Bonsai is in the title and ultimately responsible for the couple's pairing, the personality she usually gives her four legged characters is sorely missing.

© Tracy Vest, January 2009

5.0 out of 5 stars ahhhh bonsai, May 24, 2009

By	L. Smith (mass) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I enjoy Elaine Fox a lot being a dog lover myself. It is a real good story I highly recommend.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bedtime for Bonsai, May 9, 2009

By	M. Nix "Joyfully Reviewed" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Penelope Porter thinks she wants to get back together with her ex. It would be comfortable and this time, it might work. But when Penelope's puppy escapes and brings Dylan Mersey into her life, her feelings surprise her. She's not usually the kind of person to have an instant, white-hot attraction with someone, especially someone with a dark past, but something about Dylan speaks to her.

Dylan is trying to make a fresh start in life. He's in a new town, with a new business and he wants to keep his life clean. But an old friend asks a favor of him, and he can't say no. He feels like he can't get away from his past, and when the beautiful and put together Penelope comes into his life, he can't help but think that nothing good can come of it. He wants her, but how can he even think of letting someone so innocent into his not-so-innocent life?

Bedtime for Bonsai is a sweet story with just enough edge and sex to keep it from being sentimental. The characters are all well-drawn and are the kind of people you want to be friends with. Penelope's feelings about her ex and Dylan ring true. Dylan's past doesn't get whitewashed and his struggle to turn his life around is handled with honesty. There is a particularly well written dinner party scene told from both Pen's and Dylan's perspective that shows the differences in their backgrounds, while still showing how well they work together. A great book for any romance lover.

Niki Lee
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed